Treatment of Diabetes - It's Not So Hard!
By: Danika Glenn
Diabetes is a condition that affects the glucose levels in our body. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the beta cells in the pancreas that open up our cells to allow glucose inside to be used as food. When we eat our sugar levels in the blood increase triggering the release of extra insulin, so the cells can use up this sugar and glucose levels in the blood return to a normal level. People with diabetes either do not produce insulin or are not able to recognize what is produced, making it ineffective. This means that their blood glucose levels cannot be controlled which, without treatment, can lead to many other serious health issues, including blindness and circulatory problems which can lead to deterioration of other body organs.
Once diagnosed however, treatment of diabetes is fairly simple. Different treatments are need depending on what type of diabetes you have, but neither is particularly difficult or unmanageable.
Type 1 diabetes is the form where the beta cells of the pancreas have been destroyed and therefore there is no or very little insulin being produced. The only treatment option for type 1 diabetics is to supply the body with the insulin it needs and this has to be done by injection into fatty tissue, usually around the abdomen as it is easiest area of fatty tissue to access. Unfortunately insulin cannot be taken in the form of a pill because the stomach acids would destroy the proteins before it could be used by the body. Insulin pumps are available. They are worn all the time and monitor a diabetics blood sugar level constantly, administering the hormone as needed. While the latest models are small enough to be hidden by clothing most people do their own blood sugar level testing. These tests are done up to 7 times a day, and insulin administered accordingly, up to 3 times a day. While sticking needles into you is not the nicest pastime, most people with diabetes would admit it doesnt bother them that much, especially as it is what keeps them healthy.
Type 2 diabetics have the beta cells that produce insulin but they dont produce enough of it to balance out the glucose or their body does not recognize it, making it ineffective. Treatment for the majority of people in this situation is to control their condition with their diet. Carbohydrates are the biggest cause of a spike in blood sugar levels. They are quickly and easily turned into glucose after digestion. Proteins and fats should also only be eaten in moderation. Sugar itself does not have to be avoided altogether. Its all to do with the glycaemic index, which is a measure of how carbohydrate foods are digested and have an affect on the blood sugar level. Avoiding high GI foods will help keep blood sugar levels at a reasonable rate that the body can cope with. Sugar has a relatively low GI compared to many other carbohydrates, so as long as it is only eaten in moderation, it should not have a detrimental effect.
Diabetes can become a serious condition to have, however if diagnosed reasonably early and monitored properly, people with the disease can live a normal life. If untreated there are some serious health problems that can develop which, in the worst cases, can lead to death. Treatment is simple though, leaving no reason to let the disease take over and cause problems.
If you would like more information on diabetes, its causes or more diet tips please visit http://www.diabeticsupplies247.com where you will find all the information you need.
Danika Glenn is a paramedic who has a desire to share her knowledge of health and health care with others.
If you found the information in her articles useful and interesting please visit her site http://www.diabeticsupplies247.com for more.
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